How to identify a first printing
- 1949-c.1990: British-convention copyright page. First printing typically states 'First published [year]' with '© [year] Edinburgh University Press' and carries NO reprint note; matching title-page and copyright dates with no reprint or new-edition line indicate a first printing. Later printings add 'Reprinted [year]' or 'Second edition [year]'.
- c.1990-present: 'First published [year]' on the verso, frequently accompanied by a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression). A full line running to 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing. Note this is a British-convention impression line, not a US edition statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1949 (marked its 75th anniversary in 2024); became a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Edinburgh in 1992 and gained charitable status in 2004.
- One of the larger UK academic presses, strong in philosophy, law, Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, and Scottish studies.
- Follows standard British 'First published / Reprinted' practice rather than the US descending-number-line edition convention throughout most of its history.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh Classic Editions. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Edinburgh University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1949-c.1990: British-convention copyright page. First printing typically states 'First published [year]' with '© [year] Edinburgh University Press' and carries NO reprint note; matching title-page and copyright dates with no reprint or new-edition line indicate a first printing. Later printings add 'Reprinted [year]' or 'Second edition [year]'. c.1990-present: 'First published [year]' on the verso, frequently accompanied by a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression). A full line running to 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing. Note this is a British-convention impression line, not a US edition statement.
Does Edinburgh University Press use a number line?
c.1990-present: 'First published [year]' on the verso, frequently accompanied by a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression). A full line running to 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing. Note this is a British-convention impression line, not a US edition statement.
Is a book-club edition a Edinburgh University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1949 (marked its 75th anniversary in 2024); became a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Edinburgh in 1992 and gained charitable status in 2004.
What era does this cover?
This covers Edinburgh University Press (1949-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.